To identify, recognize and honor those community bands that have demonstrated particularly high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of several years, and which have played a significant and leading role in the cultural and musical environment in their respective communities.

• Nominations can be received from any source and at any time. The nominations must be sent to the Chairman of the Sudler Silver Scroll Committee. An Official Application will be forwarded to the director of the band nominated and the chairman will bring the completed applications to the annual meeting of the selection committee which takes place in December at the Mid-West International and Clinic in Chicago. Deadline for entry: November lst.

• The Selection Committee is composed of successful community band directors who have experienced a number of successful years as band conductors. The committee will review the nominee’s programs and other supporting material and the final decision will be made by majority vote of the committee members present.

• All bands that have applied will be advised shortly after the December meeting of the decision of the Selection Committee. A presentation ceremony for those groups selected will be arranged at the convenience of the recipient at a concert of their choice if at all possible. The Silver Scroll plaque and other related items will be forwarded by the President of the Sousa Foundation.

Bands nominated for the Sudler Silver Scroll award are asked to submit certain materials for evaluation by the committee:

1. Concert programs representing the three previous years. (copies OK)

2. 15 copies of a CD of no more than 30 minutes in length representing the band’s repertoire. This recording should be of music performed within the last year and MUST include at least one composition by John Philip Sousa. A listing of the music should be included with the recordings. The timing of each work should be listed. Live performances are most desirable, but not necessary. A copy of the recording will be forwarded to each member of the Selection Committee prior to the meeting in December to allow them ample time to review it. DO NOT PUT THE NAME OF THE BAND ON THE CDs.

3. Press clippings or copies of press clippings about the band’s achievements from the three previous (or more) years.

4. A photograph of the band in a concert setting taken with the past year or two.

5. A photograph and resume of the director.

6. Written recommendations from three or more band directors (not necessarily of community bands) of regional or national reputation who have heard or conducted the band recently.

7. Written comments from three or more local citizens documenting the band’s contribution to a high standard of cultural effectiveness in the community.

8. A completed Application Form to be completed by the director and/or members of band for review by the Selection Committee. (Form available upon request)

To request informational packet including a CD of the type of music that should be submitted please contact:

Dr. Ron Keller.

413 E. 11th Ave.

Naperville, Il 60563-2801

E-mail: rontubaman@gmail.com

Deadline for entry: November lst.

The Award

The Sudler Silver Scroll Award will consist of a handsome walnut plaque on which is mounted a silver scroll engraved with the name of the band and the director. Certificates for each member of the band will be included along with the Diploma of the Sudler Order of Merit and a distinctive lapel pin for the director.

Criteria

The band must have achieved and maintained particularly high standards of excellence in concert performances and have selected a high level of musical literature over a period of years.

The conductor must be incumbent in his or her position for a minimum of five years including the current year.

The band must have demonstrated a record of contributing significantly to the high standards of cultural environment in its community both by its performances and by involving a high percentage of community residents as performers.

Administration

The Sudler Silver Scroll Award is administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation and implemented by the Foundation’s Executive Committee. The membership of the committee is as follows:

The John Philip Sousa Foundation is a publicly supported, educational foundation established for the purpose of organizing, sponsoring and administering projects contributing to the excellence of bands and band music throughout the world by recognizing excellence in it’s many forms wherever it may be found.

The Foundation is governed by the executive committee which receives suggestions, advice and input from the board of directors and the advisory committee.

No officer of the Foundation nor any committee member (excepting the Foundation’s attorney and tax accountant) receives any salary or financial compensation for services rendered.